Understanding food choices and practices among older people in Thailand – an exploratory study

Background: Food choice and practice of older people is very significant for their health and well-being. Earlier studies have focused on the choices made by older people in developed countries. Therefore, this study aimed to explore food choices and practices among older people in Thailand from the perspectives of older people themselves and their caregivers. Methodology: The study was performed in Samut Sakhon, Thailand. Six Focused Group Discussions and six semi-structured interviews were conducted with older people and their caregivers. The discussions and interviews explored individual food practices and the factors influencing the type and quantity of food selected. Data were transcribed using the denaturalized and verbatim approach, and analysis followed an inductive thematic approach. Results: Both older people and caregivers shared that price and convenience were two common food choice values. Some also mentioned nutritional value as a determining factor. Older people worried about unhygienic food and food which contained chemicals or was contaminated. They were concerned about food preparation process, dirt from pollution of the locality etc. Culture affected the way old people ate with their families, and what they chose to eat. Furthermore, the national Fishery law had a negative impact upon their food selection habits. Conclusion: Older people’s food choice was the outcome from their personal mental processes that weighted, balanced, and prioritized each food choice value such as affordability, convenience, availability or nutritional benefits. To encourage healthy eating habits among older people, individual needs and opinions should be taken into consideration